Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Marnus Labuschagne hit in groin, Steve Smith hit in finger in painful net session

Under-fire Aussie batter Marnus Labuschagne had an eventful net session in Adelaide on Tuesday, copping a blow to the groin region and momentarily leaving Steve Smith feeling the pain from a hit to the finger.

Labuschagne has been a mainstay in the Adelaide Oval nets ahead of Friday’s Second Test against India as he looks to arrest a concerning form slump that has seen him pass 10 just once in his past 10 innings.

But he was temporarily grounded after letting a delivery get through and strike him in the box.

Having reeled back on the turf as he absorbed the blow, Labuschagne composed himself and was able to continue.

It came amid Smith copping a painful hit of his own, with a ball striking his right hand during throwdowns from Labuschagne.

After having the hit checked out by a member of Australia’s medical staff, Smith was cleared to continue batting.

The duo loom large in the Aussies’ middle order as they look to bounce back from a brutal series-opening loss in Perth. They combined for just 22 runs across four innings to epitomise the home nation’s struggles with the bat, with Labuschagne set to be backed in to remain in the side for the Adelaide Test despite his form slump.

The 30-year-old has just one century from his past 41 innings at Test level.

Australia are priced as $1.87 favourites for the Adelaide fixture, which begins on Friday, with India $2.30 outsiders despite their impressive display in WA.